1. Bret Harte’s “Ah Sin”: Irish Catholics, Chinese Immigrants, and Heathen Others in “Plain Language from Truthful James”.
- Author
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Furlong, Ryan
- Subjects
- *
RACE relations , *RACISM , *MANNERS & customs , *COSMOPOLITANISM , *XENOPHOBIA ,CHINESE Exclusion Act of 1882 ,GREAT Famine, Ireland, 1845-1852 - Abstract
This article explores Bret Harte's poem "Plain Language from Truthful James" and its examination of religious and racial dynamics in the post-Civil War West. The poem satirically addresses anti-Chinese racism through the character of Ah Sin, but also highlights the othering of Irish Catholics. The article argues that Harte's portrayal of anti-Chinese racism falls short in speaking truthfully about Chinese laborers, and challenges traditional forms of white supremacy in California. It delves into the history of American religion, anxieties over heathenism, and the economic competition and racial tensions between Irish Catholics and Chinese immigrants in California. The text also discusses the racial and religious dynamics between Irish Americans and Chinese immigrants in the mid-19th century United States, highlighting discrimination faced by the Irish and the participation of Irish Catholics in anti-Chinese sentiments. The author argues that Harte's poem critiques this discrimination and promotes religious and racial tolerance. However, the poem's satirical style and semantic imprecision led to misinterpretations that reinforced anti-Chinese racism and contributed to the support for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
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